Province to launch COVID-19 test bookings online and by phone

The province is following the virtual theme of 2020 by allowing Winnipeggers to make COVID-19 test appointments and see their results online. 

Hours after announcing the COVID-19 appointment system would take weeks to implement, the province made a second announcement, saying it will be ready Tuesday morning.

"The appointment system, including details on how to schedule appointments by phone or online, will be rolled out in the next few weeks," the province says in a press release sent this morning.

This afternoon, the province released a statement saying it will be opening up appointment booking, for the Winnipeg region only, at six a.m.

They say appointments take five minutes for adults and 10 for children. They are asking people to arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled time and to bring their health card or government-issued identification.

“As we roll out these new initiatives, Manitobans who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms will be able to get tested faster and receive their results more quickly online,” Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen says. “We are making improvements every day to reduce wait times and keep people safe.”

Manitobans can use the service by calling 1-855-268-4318 or making an online appointment. The province has not yet released the link to book online but says it will be available here Tuesday.

Appointments are only available at 604 St. Mary’s Road, 2735 Pembina Highway and 1181 Portage Avenue. The province says more communities will have access to scheduling appointment s in the weeks ahead.

Also moving online will be the release of COVID-19 test positivity results. 

Shared Health’s online self-serve portal will soon provide access for Manitobans to learn if they tested positive for COVID-19. Previously it only revealed negative results. The portal will tell positive patients to isolate and wait for public health to contact them.

Friesen says public health officials will continue to directly contact those who have tested positive for COVID-19  within the first 24 to 48 hours to contact trace. 

The province says from October 9-15, 93 per cent of all people who tested for COVID-19 received their results online.
 
The province says the portal also includes information for those who need immediate assistance or support. They are asked to call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.